Lok Sabha Debates
Demand To Relax The Coastal Regulation Zone (Crz) Notification In Respect Of ... on 11 August, 2000
Title: Demand to relax the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification in respect of Kerala and Lakshadweep.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN (CHIRAYINKIL): Sir, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has issued the Coastal Regulation Notification which prohibits any kind of activity within a radius of 500 metres. I think, it is applicable to Lakshadweep also. If that is the case, nothing can be done within the radius of 500 metres.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, there is something related to Lakshadweep.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : Kerala is a strip of land on the sea coast and due to this notification, the poor fishermen who are residing in the coastal areas could not get the land registered.
They would not get pattas in their name. Thousands of fishermen are staying in the coastal area. If this 500-metre regulation is strictly adhered to, none of these people will get their right, and no development activity is possible. More than that, some tourist centres, like Cochin and Kovalam, are located in the coastal area. If this 500-metre regulation is implemented, then the entire tourist activity in the coastal region will be in peril.
Long before, the Chief Minister has brought this matter to the attention of the Central Government. In spite of repeated requests, nothing has been done to remedy this process. If it is 50-metre or 100-metre regulation, I can understand that, but if it is 500 metres, then it is too much for a State like Kerala.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I think, you also understand the position of Kerala because more than one-third is hilly region, another one-third is middle region, and the coastal region is very, very narrow. So, if you strictly apply this regulation, the Kerala State will be facing much difficulty. It is a peculiar problem. The Government may be pleased to consider this peculiar aspect and see that land is registered in the name of the poor people who are residing in the coastal area, and also think about the development activities.
We request you to take up this matter with the Government of India and see that this 500-metre regulation is relaxed at least in the State of Kerala.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: What about Lakshadweep?
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : This regulation is also applicable in Lakshadweep.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: If the hon. Minister wants to respond, he can do so.
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: Sir, I totally appreciate the concern expressed by Shri Varkala Radhakrishnan, and you, Sir.
It is not only a question of Kerala or Lakshadweep. We have a coastline of about 6,000 kilometres, and the CRZ regulation is naturally creating problems for fishermen and tourism industry. Though I do not deal with this subject, I vaguely remember that there is some Supreme Court ruling on this subject. As I said, I appreciate the concern expressed by the hon. Member, and the indirect directives given by you. I will take up this matter with all seriousness with the Environment and Forests Minister. Let us try to resolve this issue. As I said, there is a judicial pronouncement also on this issue. We would like to find a way out. I will definitely ask the Environment and Forests Minister to seriously look into it.